Background:
Each year the Masters of Architecture program at Yale University participates in the annual Yale Building Project. An aspect of Yale's curriculum for over 30 years, 60 architecture students were involved in the student-designed and constructed Building Project in 2004. 

The Challenge:
The mission of the Yale Building Project is to create accessible housing for lower-income families in the New Haven community in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, Inc. The opportunity to incorporate conceptual design with hands-on construction is an integral part of the initiative. 

Results:
Icynene^®  insulation was installed in the vaulted ceiling at an R-value of 19.8, in the above-grade walls at an R-value of 13, and in the basement with an R-value of 6. 

Yale University's Laura Killem was excited about the outcome of the project, which marked a success for the students of Yale University and for the community of New Haven.  The team at the This Old House 25th Anniversary project were so impressed, they sent host Kevin O'Connor to view the project.

Icynene^® had a significant impact on the home's overall performance as the project helped to dramatically reduce Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) requirements for the home.  Analysis of the average monthly savings in household energy costs reveals a $93.00/month reduction when compared to FiberGlass insulation¹.

The installation of Icynene^® insulation in the Yale University Building Project 2004 contributed greatly to achieving the program's goal of developing affordable housing for lower-income families.